Earlier this night, we reviewed the third week session of becoming a Romans 12 Christian. This session dealt with Romans 12:2. It reads:
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
So what exactly is this passage saying? In reality, this passage is telling us all why there are so many people who claim to know Christ, yet their lives don't seem to match up with the reality and power that Christ gives to His followers as described in the pages of Scripture. This passage contains a negative command, a positive command, and a purpose clause. The negative command is "do not be conformed to this world." The positive command is, "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The purpose clause is, "that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
We are commanded to say no to the world's values, but to also say yes to God's values and Word. When we do those things, God is the one that transforms us from the inside out and we are then able to prove what God's will is. Have you ever wondered why your life is so jumbled around and why you can't seem to fall in line with God or maybe you just have no clue what God's will is? The answer to your issue very well could be that you are saying yes to the world and no to God. You might even say, "Hey, I'm saying no to the world, but still nothing's happening!" Well, this passage tells us that's not all there is to being transformed. It's a two part deal on your end and a one part deal on God's end. God is faithful and will hold up His end of the deal. You tell the world no and tell Him yes, and watch out for the fireworks!
In all honesty, it takes a sincere and seeking heart, one that is surrendered to God, as illustrated in Romans 12:1 (the living sacrifice). By surrendering, you are telling God, "I'm all in. Whatever I need to do, I will do it for You." The process continues then with you rejecting the world's values and its schemes and then accept God's values, be filled with His Word, and commune with Him. Then God works his miracle in you and transforms you into the being He wants you to be; which is one in the likeness of His son!
I want to encourage you to tell God this day or even sometime this week, "I'm all in. All that I have, all that I am, is yours." And then boldly walk in the Spirit, rejecting the world's value system and be filled by God's Word and prayer. God bless you all and have a wonderful week!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
A New Day & A New Start
This Wednesday, we started a new class called "Becoming a Romans 12 Christian" or 'r12' for those more familiar with the name. I must say, the biggest need in the Church that I have personally seen is not more programs, money, and time. The biggest need in the Church today is more disciples. As part of the brief introduction I gave to the packed room of people, this is not just another 'class', it's more of a 'course'; it's about discipleship and learning to become Romans 12 Christians.
I've observed a few different people and congregations on my own time, including my own, and see the symptoms of what happens when there is a lack of disciples. The answer to lack of participation, lack of money in the tray, lack of spiritual growth, lack of genuine caring for the lost, lack of community involvement can all be addressed with discipleship. There are way more decisions for Christ than there are disciples. If your definition of being a disciple is showing up on Sundays and Wednesdays or any other day and doing more religious activities, then you've been deceived by the enemy! Now please don’t take this as me coming down on you, but please open your heart and see what Paul writes:
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1
When I read this and when you read this, we should notice HOW Paul is writing. He's not saying we should be casual and that it's an option if you want to be a good Christian. He's URGING us... He says "Brothers, please, I beg you in light of the mercies of God! Do this! This is the only thing that makes sense!" Some translations say "your spiritual act of worship", but the idea is the same. The motivation for our surrender to God is the mercies He's already provided and the promises He's made. I encourage you to read the first 11 chapters of Romans; it's all about God's Amazing Grace.
So the solution to our problems of participation and whatnot are not to guilt people into helping or enticing them with a carrot for their help (reward). The solution to all of our needs and the things we lack are reliance on God and making disciples. We need to stop being doctors, who historically have treated SYMPTOMS and not the ROOT. I'm in no way downing doctors, but the truth is, as of now, we can only treat symptoms of the common cold and not the cold itself. But we as followers of Christ CAN treat the ROOT of our problem. Make disciples. That's the only thing that makes sense and the only cure for our church's needs. Let's make today a new day and let's start getting serious about being surrendered to God. Let's start making disciples and in the process, let God make us better ones too. God Bless you all and have a Good and Godly week!
I've observed a few different people and congregations on my own time, including my own, and see the symptoms of what happens when there is a lack of disciples. The answer to lack of participation, lack of money in the tray, lack of spiritual growth, lack of genuine caring for the lost, lack of community involvement can all be addressed with discipleship. There are way more decisions for Christ than there are disciples. If your definition of being a disciple is showing up on Sundays and Wednesdays or any other day and doing more religious activities, then you've been deceived by the enemy! Now please don’t take this as me coming down on you, but please open your heart and see what Paul writes:
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1
When I read this and when you read this, we should notice HOW Paul is writing. He's not saying we should be casual and that it's an option if you want to be a good Christian. He's URGING us... He says "Brothers, please, I beg you in light of the mercies of God! Do this! This is the only thing that makes sense!" Some translations say "your spiritual act of worship", but the idea is the same. The motivation for our surrender to God is the mercies He's already provided and the promises He's made. I encourage you to read the first 11 chapters of Romans; it's all about God's Amazing Grace.
So the solution to our problems of participation and whatnot are not to guilt people into helping or enticing them with a carrot for their help (reward). The solution to all of our needs and the things we lack are reliance on God and making disciples. We need to stop being doctors, who historically have treated SYMPTOMS and not the ROOT. I'm in no way downing doctors, but the truth is, as of now, we can only treat symptoms of the common cold and not the cold itself. But we as followers of Christ CAN treat the ROOT of our problem. Make disciples. That's the only thing that makes sense and the only cure for our church's needs. Let's make today a new day and let's start getting serious about being surrendered to God. Let's start making disciples and in the process, let God make us better ones too. God Bless you all and have a Good and Godly week!
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